30 Rights of Muslim Women

Daisy Khan is an award-winning speaker, author, activist, commentator, and the founder of Women’s Islamic Initiative in Spirituality and Equality (WISE), the largest global network of Muslim women committed to peacebuilding, gender equality, and human dignity. She has been involved in grassroots efforts combating anti-Muslim bias for twenty-plus years and is renowned as a thought leader on Muslim women’s rights and Islam in America. Her memoir, Born with Wings: The Spiritual Journey of a Muslim Woman, published in 2018 by Random House, depicts her spiritual journey as a modern Muslim woman and her circuitous path to leadership. Khan has lectured at major institutions, like the Council on Foreign Relations, Aspen Institute, Chautauqua Institution, World Economic Forum, Islamic Society of North America, and many others. She is a media commentator and an Op-Ed writer who has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, ABC, PBS, and BBC and is featured in documentaries and publications like TIME, Guardian, Newsweek, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Elle, and many others. Khan was listed among TIME Magazine’s “100 Most Influential” People

“Dr. Daisy Khan meticulously illustrates that through the Qur’an, Hadith, and Islamic scholarship faith and gender equality can be achieved.” —Mehnaz M. Afridi, PhD, professor of religious studies, Manhattan College

“Daisy Khan’s insightful and inclusive 30 Rights of Muslim Women offers a bridge between faith communities, enriching our collective understanding of Muslim women’s rights and encouraging a harmonious coexistence rooted in shared humanity.” —Cristina Smith, interfaith minister, author of The December Dozen: A Celebration of Holidays 

“A comprehensive compendium on women in Islam, providing readers with an encyclopedic reference to the most pressing of topics. Easy to follow and accessible.” —His Eminence Imam Dr. Mohamad Jebara, former Chief Imam, and author of The Life of the Quran and Muhammad the World-Changer

“Daisy Khan’s 30 Rights of Muslim Women: A Trusted Guide uniquely questions, protests, and examines the various layers of meaning and practice of gender injustice. By linking historical legacies to contemporary Muslim women’s scholarship and activism, she empowers each woman to self-identify with Qur’anic justice and fairness. Khan affirms women’s spiritual leadership by providing new perspectives of the Qur’an, while debunking misinterpreted traditions attributed to Prophet Muhammad. She explores women’s realities, embarking with them upon a journey of restoring their own rights and transforming their own lives.” —Nimat Hafez Barazangi, author of Woman’s Identity and the Qur’an: A New Reading

“As a religious woman, I consider 30 Rights of Muslim Women, an  essential read for anyone who cares about religion today. It has opened my eyes and strengthened my heart. Khan writes as a Muslim woman to other Muslim women, teaching how localized patriarchies have denied Muslim women and young girls their fundamental rights guaranteed  to them by the sacred texts of Islam. Khan brings deep knowledge and an abundance of courage to this confrontation.” —Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, Congregation Beit Simchat Torah

“When Daisy Khan speaks, the world listens. She embodies a rare amalgam of brilliance and humility, reasoning and passion, patience and persistence, demand and empathy. This book should be front and center on the shelves of Muslim girls, Muslim women leaders, Muslim women who should be leaders, Muslim men who are leaders, and Muslim men who should learn from Muslim women how to follow.” —Swanee Hunt, former lecturer and founder of the Women and Public Policy Program, Harvard Kennedy School

“Khan’s methodical textual analysis buttresses her case that Muslim women’s religious equality is enshrined in the Quran, which has been misinterpreted by leaders of oppressive societies to subjugate women. This solid theological guide is worth a look.” —Publishers Weekly

“A compelling case for recognizing women’s freedom and fulfillment as centerpieces of Islamic values.” —Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Born with Wings

“A heartfelt, deeply personal, and touching account of a Muslim woman’s spiritual journey and her work to empower women and girls around the globe.”—Her Majesty Queen Noor

“Daisy Khan is one of the most prominent Muslim voices in America and an icon of female empowerment across the globe. This beautiful story of her spiritual journey is an inspiration to anyone who seeks to change the world.”—Reza Aslan, author of No god but God and Zealot